Chicago's Cardinal George won't go to Rome for canonizations, resuming chemotherapy for cancer

CHICAGO – Chicago Cardinal Francis George will not travel to Rome for the canonizations of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II later this month because of the resumption of chemotherapy to treat his cancer.

The 77-year-old spiritual leader of the Archdiocese of Chicago's more than 2 million Roman Catholics was released from the hospital on March 21 after being treated for dehydration and flu-like symptoms.

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Treatment of the cancer near his right kidney was interrupted by the infection. George survived bladder cancer eight years ago and was diagnosed with urothelial cancer in 2012.

According to the archdiocese, George intends to maintain his scheduled participation in the Holy Week services and Easter Sunday Mass at Holy Name Cathedral.